Wisconsin Chamber Choir
Luther Memorial Church 1021 University Ave., Madison, Wisconsin 53715
press release: The Wisconsin Chamber Choir presents J. S. Bach’s Magnificat with full orchestra and additional works by Bach, Handel, and Schütz on Friday, April 28, 7:30 p.m. at Luther Memorial Church, 1021 University Avenue. There will be an additional concert on Sunday, April 30. 2:00 p.m. at Young Auditorium, UW-Whitewater, 930 W. Main St. Whitewater.
Experience the Baroque splendor of Bach’s Magnificat performed by the Wisconsin Chamber Choir with their professional orchestra, Sinfonia Sacra. Featured soloists include trumpet virtuoso John Aley, oboist Marc Fink, violinist Leanne League, New York-based tenor (and former Madisonian) Alex Gmeinder, and mezzo-soprano Rachel Wood. Sharing billing with the Bach is Handel’s impressive Utrecht Te Deum, which, like the Magnificat, exalts in the colors of voices, trumpets, timpani, oboes, flutes, and strings. Rounding out the program are Bach’s uplifting double-choir motet, Fürchte dich nicht (Be Not Afraid), and a thoroughly charming work by Bach’s great predecessor Heinrich Schütz: Nun danket alle Gott (Now Thank We All Our God).
Inspired by Mary’s song of praise from the Gospel of Luke, the Magnificat is one of Bach’s most glorious and varied pieces. Its music offers a sampling of every style of music in Bach’s repertoire as a composer. Imposing, concerto-like movements crowned by brilliant trumpet fanfares highlight the full chorus, whereas solo arias, duets and trios deepen the mood of the text in counterpoint with constantly changing instrumental colors—from lush strings to playful flutes to the dolorous oboe d’amore. In the solo movements the professional singers share the stage with highly accomplished members of the choir including Christopher Eggers and Nicole McCarty; Madison Savoyards regulars Bill Rosholt and Natalie Falconer; and many others. The members of Sinfonia Sacra are drawn from the rosters of the Madison Symphony, the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra, the Wisconsin Baroque Ensemble, and the music faculties of UW-Madison, UW- Whitewater, and UW-Oshkosh.
Founded in 1998, the Wisconsin Chamber Choir has established a reputation for excellence in the performance of oratorios by Bach, Mozart, and Brahms; a cappella works from various centuries; and world-premieres. Artistic Director Robert Gehrenbeck has been hailed by critics for his vibrant and emotionally compelling interpretations of a wide variety of choral masterworks.
Advance tickets for the April 28 performance at Luther Memorial Church in Madison are available for $20 ($10 for students) from www.wisconsinchamberchoir.org, via Brown Paper Tickets, or at Orange Tree Imports and Willy Street Coop (all three locations).
Advance tickets for the April 30 performance at Young Auditorium in Whitewater are available from www.uww.edu/youngauditorium/tickets.